Many tractors were International Harvester Farmalls, but many tractor makes were represented at the pull-Oliver, Case-New Holland, Massey-Ferguson, Minneapolis Moline, Allis Chalmers and John Deere.

“It doesn’t matter so much what type of tractor you drive, winning a pull is more about how the tractor is set up and pulling techniques,” Stadick said.

A maintenance man at Cathedral Holy Trinity, Stadick did construction work for 40 years but his passions also include riding motorcycles.

In a few days, he’ll head west to the Sturgis, S.D. Buffalo Chip motorcycle and music festival, a nine-day event with racing, ramp jumps, touring, rock bands and musicians. Last year, Sturgis attendance was estimated at 467,000.

Stadick said he plans to ride his Harley-Davidson with friends to the Black Hills event to “people watch.” His retirement years are filled with plenty of group motorcycle road trips including 350 to 400 mile routes to casinos every Wednesday.

“We like taking the long way each week,” Stadick explained.

Other tractor pull competitors Saturday included sisters Sammie and Jamie Engelmann of Green Isle on their antique Oliver tractors. “We never miss the Lafayette pull. It’s our 10th year here. We came here many times with our dad and continue to come here in his memory,” Sammie Engelmann said.

She and her sister’s tractors have photos of their late father, Rich Engelmann and another close tractor pulling friend, the late Melvin Hinderscheidt.

Adam Blackstad of St. James said he enjoys coming to the pull, competing and spending time with his grandfather.